Machine for the correction of posture and normalization of weight



Jan. 19, 1954 w. R. ALEXANDER ETAL 2,666,429

MACHINE FOR THE CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NORMALIZATION OF WEIGHT 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 6, 1950 INVENTORS Wm. R- Auexnuulx cum 1:. WILLIAM: HAROLD H; D wsoN Hcwuo K. 31m: 67 9! jar Jpn. 19, 1954 Filed March 6 1950 W. R. ALEXANDER ET AL MACHINE FOR THE CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NORMALIZATION OF WEIGHT 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 WM; RALnAunu OMN E.WILI.IAM8 Hgn w H. Dawson Hwun KBINTZ.

WWW-'5 I n- 1 1 4 R ALEXANbER ETAL ,4 9

MACHINE FdR THE CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NORMALIZATION 0F WEIGHT Filed March 6, 1950 --8 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVENTORS: WILLIAM ALEXANDER I OWEN E. WILLIAMS HAROLD H. DAWSUN HOWARD-K. BENTZ BY 0? 9&0

ATTORNEY n- 9, 1954 w. R. AL XANDER ETAL 2,666,

- MACHINE FOR TH CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NGRMALIZATION OF WEIGHT Filed March 6, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 W p 14 E I II INVENTORJ 623 WMJZALEXANMI.

owmiwnunams Hnmw H. OAw-um Howmln K. Burr:

72 I? Maw Jan. 19, 1954 W. R ALEXAbDER ETAL MACHINE FOR THE COR EOTION 0F POSTURE AND NORMALIZATION OF- WEIGHT 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March a, 1950 IN VEN TORS 1954 w; R. ALEXANDER ETAL 2,666,429

MACHINE FOR'THE CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NORHALIZAQTIONf-OF WEIGHT Filed March 6, 1956 8 sheets-sh et 6 INVENTORJ WM. R. ALzxAunnc OWEN E. WILLIAM: HAROLD H. Dawson Howana K. Burr;

.' 7. Oil

Jan. 19, 1954 v w. R. ALEXA DER ETAL 2,666,429

MACHINE FOR THE c0 RECTION 0F POSTURE AND NORMALIZA'Z'ION OF WEIGHT Flled March 6-, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORSI WILLIAM R. ALEXANDER OWEN E.WILL|AMS HAROLD H. DAWSON HOWARD K. BENTZ Jan. 19, 1954 w. R; AL EXANDER ETAL 2,666 429 MACHINE FOR THE CORRECTION OF POSTURE AND NORMALIZATION 0F WEIGHT Filed March 6, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. 23

INVENTORSZ WILLIAM R. ALEXANDER OWEN E. WILLIAMS HAROLD -1. DAWSON HOWARD BENTZ Patented Jan. 19, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR THE CORRECTION OF POS- TURE AND N ORMALIZATION OF WEIGHT WilliamR... Alexander, Owen E. Williams, Harold H. Dawson; and Howard K. Bentz, Columbus, @Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to Lawrence L. Mack, Stamford, Conn.

Application Marchfi, 1950, Serial No. 147,812

7 16 Claims.

. 1 The invention illustrated by thedisclosure of this application relates to methods and machines for the correction of posture and normalization of weight. The invention is illustrated by several embodiments of exercise tables on which patients repose.

Prior hereto it. has been suggested that it wouldbe advantageous (l) to induce improved circulation in patients byoscillation of a table or couch upon which the patient reposes; (2) give basic passive exercise to the pelvic region of a patient by massage thereof and by .analternate forward 'and backward movement thereof (3) alternately move one side of the buttocks for- ,ward'while moving the other side back thus giving a twisting and massaging exercise which will tend to freethe'muscles and tendons oi the sacro-iliac region and making it easier for the patient to assume a good posture and eventually overcome pelvic dip (4:) relax the muscles and tendons of the shoulders and back by pulling the rib cage up, releasing strain on the abdominal organs and allowing the shoulders to assume a balanced position; and ,5) relax the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder andrib structure by moving one side forward atthe same time the other side is moving backward and vice versa, in order to restore a proper and naturalposition skeletal structure of the upper body and promote membermay supply oscillating movement and massage to a sin le portion ofthe body, for example, "the shoulders or buttocks.

A further'object of our invention is the provisionof a machine wherein a pair of pad members .inay be moved eitherin synchronism or alternately in opposite directions.

Featuresof our invention include: the provision of a main frame together with a cradle carrying a body supporting portion similar to a table or couch and means for oscillating the cradle and body supporting portion as a unitia provision in one embodiment in connection with such a cradle of a pair of oscillating body contacting pad members movable relative to the cradle; the provision of means by which two cams automatically operate in phase when the motor is driving in one direction and operate out ofphase when the motor is driving in the opposite direction; and aprovision by which the contacting pad members may be spread or pushed closer together in order to'become adjusted for the comfort of the patient. 7

Other objects and features of our invention will be apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of ourinvention.

In the drawings: V

Fig. 1 is a view in plan of an exercise table embodying features of our invention and illustrating our invention;

Fig. 2 is a View in side elevation of the table I shown in Fig. l;

:A further object of our invention is the prooscillating movement together with means for transmitting power to said members independently and concurrently in'thesame direction.

Fig. 3 is a view in vertical section taken substantially on the line 33 of. Figs. 1 and 4;

Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section taken substantially on the line 4 l of Figs. 1 and. 3; Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section taken substantially on the line 5--5 of Figs. 1 and 3;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View in horizontal section taken substantially on the line E-6 of Fig. 3, some parts having been omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the operation of a linkage by which the drive of paddle lever used in the device may be accomplished, a floating driving link which is also used in the device being shown as set in a neutral or non-driving position;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. '7 showing the effect of movement of a driving crank arm which is used in the device.

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 7 showing the shifting driving link in a raised position; a

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but also showing the driving link in a raised position;

Fig. 11 isa view similar to Figs. 7 and 9 but showing the drivinglink in a lowered position;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Figs. 8 and 10 but showing the driving link also in a lowered position;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view in horizonta section on a greatly enlarged scale showing further details of the driving mechanism;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary view in vertical section on an enlarged scale, showing further de tails of the driving linkage mechanism and details of the locking plate which is in position so that the body supporting portion of the table as a whole may be driven;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to view 14 but showing the crank arm and connected linkage in displaced positions and also showing the locking plate raised so that the body supporting portion of the table is maintained stationary;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing the effect of displaced positions of the rocker arm when the floating driving member is lowered instead of raised, but showing the locking plate raised from the position shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a view in plan of another form of exercise table which also embodies our invention;

Fig. 18 is a somewhat schematic view in vertical section of the table of Fig. 17 taken substantially on the line l8-l8 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary view in elevation of one of the driving shafts and the associated parts including the driven pulley mounted thereon and the cams also mounted thereon which are provided for the purpose of driving the pads;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary view in perspective of one of the cams of Fig. 19 and the driver therefor which is shown secured to the driving shaft;

Fig. 21 is a more or less diagrammatic view in end elevation of the driving shaft of Fig. 19, of one of the cams, and of the driver therefor as the parts are arranged when the shaft is turning in a counter-clockwise direction;

Fig. 22 is a, View similar to Fig. 21 but showing the driving shaft and the driver and the cam V turning in a clockwise direction;

Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 19 but on a slightly smaller scale showing details of the driving shaft and associated pulley and cam which are provided for oscillating the table as awhole; and

Fig. 24 is a view of the shaft of Fig. 23 in end elevation.

We have shown in Figs. 1-16 inclusive an exercise table I having as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2 a body supporting surface 2 and body contacting members later more fully described. It is also provided with a hand grip arrangement generally designated 7 and has sides and ends secured to a main frame H] (see Figs. 3 and 4) Referring now for more details chiefly to Fig. 3, the main frame It? is formed with top and bottom supporting frame members H and 12 (formed if desired of angle iron or of channel section) on each side. These members are connected by the uprights I3, I4, l5, l6; cross braces I7 and I8 (see Figs. 4 and 5); and diagonal braces I9 and Zii. This frame may be enclosed on the bottom, sides and ends with panels 22, 23 and 24, respectively. Supports 25, 25, 27 and 28 connected to the bottom frame members 12 provide for positioning the frame on the floor.

A cradle, indicated generally at 39 in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5, is mounted for reciprocable movement in a substantially horizontal plane relative to the top of main frame H3. The cradle is pivotally connected to the frame In with four links 3i. Two of these links are shown in Fig. 3. The other two of the link are similarly disposed on the opposite side of frame Ill. The links pivot at their upper ends upon shafts 2| which extend through the ends of frame members 36 a 4 31. The cradle 30 is formed with cross members 32, 33, S4 and (Fig. 3) connected at their ends with the longitudinally extending members 3E and 3'! (Fig. 4).

The hand grip '5 consists of a pair of L-shaped uprights 33, one of which i connected to the forward ends of each of the members 35 and 3? and a cross rod as. The uprights 38 support the cross rod 39 providing a handgrip and foot rest for the table which is utilized as will be later described.

We will now describe in detail the body supporting surface 2. Pad members t! and 42 are supported on top of the cradle 3E] and provide covers for the ends thereof. Pad s2, Fig. 3, is connected, with a hinge 43 at its inner end, to the cradle. The outer end of pad 42 is pivotally connected to the rod 45.. This rod extends through an aperture in the lever 45 and is thus held in any desired position by frictional engagement therewith to provide for holding the outer end of pad 42 in any desired position of adjustment above the cradle 30. The pad mem bers A! and :32 are formed of a resilient material, such as cotton, foam or sponge rubber or any other desired upholstering material. The pads provide supports upon which the body of the patient rests when in a reclining position. Pad member d2 thus forms a head and neck rest for the patient when the feet are on the foot rest 39. The center portion of the cradle 30 is also covered on each side with pad members, as indicated at 18 and iii in Fig. 1. A smaller, centrally positioned, pad member is located between pad members 48 and 49 so as to leave two substantially rectangular openings 5! uncovered in the top of the cradle. The cradle 39 in addition to the frame members previously described includes diagonal end members 6! and B2 on each side. These members are connected at their upper ends to frame members 36 and 31 and at their lower ends with longitudinally extending frame members 53 on each side. Cross members '54 and 65, Fig. 3, tie between the members 63 from side to side and support vertically extending frame members 66 and 61 which in turn are connected to cross frame members 68 and $9 of the cradle.

We also provide means operable when the cradle is stationary to exercise individual portions of the body of the patient as may be desired. Four body contacting members are supported by the cradle 35) and movable therewith. Each of the body contacting members has at its top an upholstered pad such as the pads 52, 53, 54 and respectively. It seems necessary only to describe in detail one pair of the body contacting member assemblies. The assemblies supporting the pads 54 and 55, for example, may be described since the other pair of assemblies supporting pads 52 and 53 are identical in construction and mounting. Shafts ii are mounted between the frame members 63. These shafts are provided with a bearing 72 for each of the pad members, .and each bearing supports a channel member i3 carrying the associated pad member at its upper end. The channel members are thus free to swing on shaft "ii. The pad members are pivotally connected to the tops of the channel members l3, being carried on the rotatably mounted rods It. A notched plate 11, which supports the pad on rod it, extends downwardly on the sides of channel members i3. A spring controlled pawl i3 mounted on channel member is is positioned to engage the notches of plate if den-wire 1.9 the opposite end or which; extends around-to the front'of themach-inc for'the convenience of the operator. I Power to reciprocate or swing the/body co necting members and assemblies carrying. re-

spectively the-pad members 52. 53. 54 and "55 in arcs-is applied through the linkages indicated generally at 84. One of these linkages is shown more clearly Figs- 14, 15- and 15; I-t includes a pivot member '82 in the vformer a triangular shaped plate. A 1inki-83ispivotally connected at one end withadrivingpin 84- which extends into the bushing 84c (Fig. 13;) of the-channel memher and at-its other end-is pivotally connected with a pin passing through. one of the apices of plate .82, as indicated at $5. '-'Iheother two apices of; plate .82 are 'pivota-lly connectedby-pins 86 and- 81 to the links-88 and .89- which in turnare pivotally .eonneoted-to the crank arm. 90;, as in,- sdioated-a-t litand 192 in- Fig. 15. .A similar pair of links are-also connected. to the endso-f crank arm .90 and extend in the opposite direction from the direction-of the links 188 and 88. This other pair of links are similarly; connected to I another. pair ,of-striangnlarly shaped. plates each .of which is nonnected to its associated oscillatable' channel support-member l3. -'Ihus eachaof" the four support-members l,3- shown.,i n= .6 is. connected to pne of thetriangular shaped-- plates corresponding toplate' 82 shown inhies. 7-16.. -'I -hisother pa r of link i i hownginFig. l4 and is designatedifiBaaridlBBa. I I

T We provide means .foraacticating the mechso that optionally an -one or .rnoreo-f =the assemblies which carry the pad members .52 53,

5.4.01 {15 mas/Joe oscillated as the operatorldesires.

The pivotally mounted -arm ":95 provides for Swinging,- i. e. raising or lmnering the triangular 'i l'ate' .82 with respect to the horizontal plane inldi'cated at. 96 in'QFi I 115, This --arm, as shown-in Figs-'13 andi'lsl, s formed with an offset block portionslwhioh is openat one end to form a giuideway .for'pin e8. 'I'his pinisacarried onplate .82 :midway between {the pins Bil-and Bl. Pin a98-is :i ree' ato-zmovein the euidewayy s iindicatediby the 'rhill and @dotted line positions shown-in Figs-21 4 to 16. :A block ":39 011* tl-ieiiirame upright 1 4 care ries za' pin" lilwflwhieh provides a pivotsnnport molding-the lower end' of arm- 95, Heb-block .91. The upperend of-arm-SB is-provided witha roller flll whioh'ru-ris on the-archate track W2. A threaded "finger control, indicated 'generally at i103 .inFigf :5; provides for clamping {the roller to thetrack to hold the rolleriin"anyfdesired position.

The crank: arm 90 "Fig; 1.4, is rocked by" and. with a driveshaft' 101. which is journaledjinibeariings supported by the cradle s0. The shaft '1 91 is rockedb a pitmanxor connecting 'rod H18 which is conneetedto thecrank arm 96 and to eccentric 109a, Fig.3. Power .to-wdrive'the eccentric is supplied by an electric motor 1410 connected therewith by the belts 1.1.! and U2 and pulleys 113 and 15.9. In operation, since the crank-arm 90 (Fig. 14) is connected at its mid.- point to shaft [Bl the rocking motion imparted to-this shaft oscillates the crank arm 19.8,. asindicated bythe' full and dotted line positions in v15 and l5. movement Zof the crank jarln alternately reoiiprocates' thelinlss tfl andailfi toplane 96'.

'Theoscillationof each plate 82 is controlled by the setting of the associated arm 95 and the position of the pivot pin 98. Thus, whenft'he arm is l'ockedin the positionsshown in Figs. '7-,-8 and 14, black 91 holds pin QBa lignedwith pins- 84 and 85 and with shaft I01 in-plane 96. Reciprocation of links 88 and 89 then causes plate 82' and link 83 to swing equal distances 'both above and below the center line, i. e. plane 96. Link-83 swings equally about pin 84 and transmitsno driving motion to member 13. When-arrhHSiS set in the position illustrated in Figs. 9, L -and 15, pin 98 is swung upward relative to plane 96 and. plate 82 raised. In this position the pivot pin 85 is held above plane 96 (Fig. 9). "Then movement of the crank arm counties-clock Wise (Fig. 10) causes plate 82 to swing link= 83 '(pin'"85 upwardly relative -to the position shown in Fig. 9. This movementinturn "causes-member '13 to swingin a clockwise direction, i. e.' 'opposite to the direction of the crank arm. That is, member 13 and crank arm 90 swingi'n. opposite phase relationsrelative to each other. itflis desired to have member 13 swingin phase'with the" crank-arm; arm is adjusted to the --position illustrated inFigs. 11, Hand '16. This position of armas lowers pin 98 and plate-:82 relative to plane 96-as shown. The pivot pin 8'5- is held helow-plane as. Then movement of :crankparm 9.0 counter-clockwise :(Fig 12) causes plate fit-to vvi ng'lin-k 83 (pin :35) upwardly relative to the position shown in Fig.."1'1.. This movement o link 8.3 :(pin 85) in turn causes member 13 to swing in a counterclockwise. direction, :i. e.--1'n the samedirection as the. crank arm.

- The oscillation iofzthe crankarm-9fl-is1als0 utilized to reciprocate-the cradle .38 and the body supporting .surface2. 1 However, order that "the cradle 30 may 'not' be oscillated when not desired or that the padsmaynot oscillate at improper times, we provide :lockingjmeans. Referring to Fig; 4, 11; may 'beseen that: the cradle :35 (which consists'of frame members 32,133., 34,. 35, 16], .62, 63,1511,65,66, 6.1, .68 and :69) supports on -.one'side.of the machine. a rear plate 129 :towhich 'isibo'lted a frontfiplate'lZl, both of these plates beingse'curely fastened to the. cradle frame mem bers-6J8 and 6.! and front plate .12 I' being formed with-an openi-ng. These plates a-re'maintai-ned in spaced apart relation and form a guidewaytor the slidably mounted plate 1.2.2 shown more clearly inF-igs. 13 to L6. 7 A locking segment I24 is positioned in the opening in the plate 1-2! and is carriedon a shaft [2411 which is pivotallymounted the 'main' frame members .I I. The shaft [24a "is also provided an operating lever 125. locking segment 1:2 carries a-pin .126 (see also Fig. 14') Whichengages'in a slot li2l-f ormed :i-nth-e top-of the plate 422. when the operating lever is :inthe position shown in 'F'igule, the look- "ing segment !24 is rotated" so that it fs-spaced from the sides of the-opening'in the plate I21 and the cradle may move forwardand backward. At the same time the pin I26 is lowered (i. e. to "the position shown in Fig. 14'). Pin ['25 accordingly holds plate I22 in the lowered position. 'Thereupon, the pads'may not be operated. However,"w,h'en the operating 1everl25 is rotated 0 to the position shown in Figs. 4, 15' and 16, the locking segment I 24 is rotated so that its greatest widthcontactswith the sides ofthe'opening in the plate 121 and prevents the cradle tr moving; At' the'sametime pm 126" is'ra'ise'dii. e. to

the position shown in Figs. 15 and 16) and accordingly holds plate I22 in the raised position. Thereupon, the pads may be operated. If again the operating lever I25 is rotated back 90 from the position shown in Figs. 4, 15 and 16', the looking segment I24 and the pin I26 move to the position shown in Fig. 14. This allows oscillation of the cradle 30 inasmuch as play is provided between the opening in the plate I2I and the looking segment I24. This movement also lowers plate I22 relative to the member II as shown. Also, as shown in Fig. 14, the lower edge of the plate I22 is notched as indicated in Fig. 29. Thus,

when the plate 522 is lowered the notched area I29 engages over the extending end of pin SI of the crank arm 90. The oscillating movement of the crank arm is thus imparted to the plate to reciprocate the cradle. On the other hand, when the locking segment I24 is in the position shown in Figs. and 16, the locking segment by contact with the sides of the opening in the plate i2I prevents the cradle 30 from moving relative to the main frame I5.

The operation of the device described above is as follows: The motor IIO supplies power to reciprocate the connecting rod tea which in turn oscillates the drive shaft I21. The crank arms 20, one on each side of the machine, are thereby rocked or oscillated. This motion of the crank arms may be utilized to reciprocate the cradle and surface 2 in a horizontal plane or to swing the assemblies 3, 4, 5 and '5 and pad members 52, 53, 54 and 55 so that they oscillate in an are about a horizontal axis.

The assemblies 3, 4, 5 and 5 including pad mem- S bers 52, 53, 54 and 55 are driven from the crank arm 80 through the linkage 3| provided for each pad member. With the construction provided the pad members can be operated individually or as groups. For example, if it is desired to operate pad member 52 alone, arm 95 for this pad member is moved to either the right or left hand positions depending upon whether the pad member is to swing in or out of phase with the crank arm 90. Arms 95 for the other pad members, namely 53, 54 and 55, are adjusted so that the roller I0l are in the mid position on tracks I02. This sets the linkage plate 82 in the neutral position so that no driving power is transmitted to the assemblies 4, 5 and 6. These latter members then remain stationary while pad member 52 is being driven. If it is then desired to operate any one or all of the other pad members in conjunction with pad member 52, it is only necessary to move the arms to shift the plate 82 from the neutral to a driving position. Any combination of pad members desired can thus be driven. Furthermore, the pad members can be operated to swing in or out of phase with respect to each other. Thus, for example, the arms 95 can be adjusted so that the pad members 52 and 53 swing together, i. e. both pads swing first clockwise then counterclockwise, or they can be positioned so that these pad members swin opposite to each other, i. e. pad member 52 may be swinging clockwise while pad member 53 is swinging counter-clockwise or vice versa. Similarly, the movements of the other pad members can be controlled likewise. It is thus possible to have all of the pad members swinging in the same direction at one time or to have one of them or selected combinations of them swinging in different directions from the direction in which one or more of the others are swinging at one time.

From the above description, it will also be apparent that when the operator wishes to reciprocate the cradle 30, the arms 95 are all shifted to the neutral position so that no power is transmitted to drive the pad members. The plate I22 is thenlowered until it engages with the crank arm 90. At the same time the locking segment I24 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 14 so that the plate I2I and the cradle 30 may oscillate relative thereto. The oscillation or rocking of the crank arm is thereby transmitted through plate I22 to reciprocate the cradle. The cradle together with the pads 52 53, 54 and 55 and the table top 2 are all reciprocated to give passive exercise and stimulation to the patient.

In Figs. 17-24 inclusive we have shown another embodiment of our invention which we will now describe in detail. Referring first to Figs. 17 and 18, it may be seen that we have shown a table generally designated 2!, having a top surface generally designated 252, a grip bar and foot rest generally designated 203, a supporting frame generally designated 204 and a floating frame generallydesignated 205. The main frame 204 is supported by feet 205. The floating frame 205 like the corresponding parts shown in Figs. 1-16 inclusive may also be designated a cradle and is adapted to be supported by but at the same time to be movable relative to the main frame 204.

The main frame 204 is made up of frame members such as 2, 2I2, 2I3, 2I4, 2I5 and 2I6 and the floating frame or cradle 205 is made up of frame members including the frame member 2 H, the box frame members 2IB, 2I9 and 220, and the second box frame members 22I, 222 and 223. Of course, both the main frame 204 and the floating frame or cradle 205 include transverse frame members as well as the longitudinally and vertical members seen in Fig. 18. The member 2!! may be a flat sheet of plywood to which the box members 2I8, 2I9 and 220, and HI, 222 and 223 are secured in any suitable manner.

Means are provided for oscillating the floating frame or cradle 205 and the body supporting top 202 longitudinally. These means comprise a motor 23! mounted in the box frame 2l4-2I5, driving a belt 233 from a small pulley 232. A

large pulley 234 is driven by the belt and is carried by a shaft 235. The shaft 235 also carries an eccentric 235 disposed in a correspondingly shaped opening 231 in an arm or connecting rod 238. The opposite end of the arm 23B is pivotally connected as at 239 to a lever arm 24I, pivoted ina bearing 242 as at 243. The upper end of the arm MI is pivotally connected as at 244 in a bearing 245 secured to the top frame-member 2I'I. It thus may be seen that rotation of the motor 23I causes oscillation of the frame member 2II which is also pivoted by additional links (preferably at each corner of the frame member 2I'I) For example, the link 246 is pivoted at its lower end as at 241 in a bearing 248 secured to the frame member 2 I I and at its upper end as at 249 in a bearing 25I secured to the frame member 2II. As the cradle 205 is oscillated, it oscillates with it the box members 2I82 I9220 and 22I--222223, and thus the patient is oscillated with the table giving the patient a passive exercise which increases circulation and has valuable corrective effects in correcting the posture and normalizing the weight of the patient. The structure of the eccentric 36, the shaft 235, the pulley 234 are shown from another viewpoint in Fig. 23.

Asmay be also seen in Figs. 1'7 and 18, the top of the tableis provided with a plurality of oscilaceaaac latable. paddles such. as the. paddles 252, 253, 254 and 255. Means are also provided for oscillating these paddles in substantially any desired com- 'bination of movements either (preferably and usually) while the cradle 205 is stationary, or possibly, if desired, while the cradle 205 is moving; For example, the paddle 253, may be oscillated as .desired. The paddle 253 is carried at the top of, a .lever 25.6 pivoted at2 51 on the box frame 2l'6-2I9-226. The lever 256 is provided with a yoke 26d :and is arranged to be driven by a motor 258. The motor 258 is provided with a pulley 259 of relatively small .sizewhich drives a relatively large size pulley '26l by means of a belt 262. Referring also to Fig. 19, as well as to Fig. 18, it may be seen that the pulley 261' is carried on a shaft 263'which also carries a cam 264. The .cam fits within the yoke 2'51" and although the-cam 264' is circular, it is mounted eccentri- Qally onthe shaft253 and therefore as, the motor 258' is energized,'it operates to'oscjillate the padtile 253; The shaft .263 also carries a second cam- 265-which is not secured to the shaft 2163-but is 'ro'tatably mounted thereon' in that the shaft passes through a' closely fitting hole therein. .Thei'eiis secured to the shaft 263' as-by' a spline 266a driver'261 for the cam 265. The cam 265 ismaintained in position on the shaft 263 between the'driver 261 and a collar 258 which is also secured'to the shaft." The cam 265 is'positioned in a yoke 259'which is secured to a lever not shown but in all respects similar to the lever 256and which carries atits upper end the pad 252;

In order to'explain the driving connection between the driver 261 and the cam 265; reference will be made also to Figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22.- It may" be seen that the driver 261 is in general circular and is mounted concentrically. The cam 265 is also circular but is mounted eccentrically. The driver 281 is formedwith a lug 21l which is ofiset fromthe main body of the driver 26! and'is formed in the shape of a ninety degree segment of the circle about the center of the shaft 263. The cam 265 is formed with a lug "212 which is also in the shape of a ninety degree seg- 'ment of-a circle about the center of the shaft 263 the shaft 263' is turning counter-clockwise but that they-are spaced 180 apart when the shaft 263 is turningclockwise. The effect of this is that when the shaft 263 is turning counterclockwise, the paddles 252 and 253 are synchronized so that the two paddles move together but when the shaft 263is turning in a clockwise direction, the paddles 252 and 253 are out of phase 180 and one is moving forwardwhile the other is moving backwards, and vice versa.

Thedrive for the paddles "254 and 255is in many -respects similar tothe driver for the paddles252 and253- except that instead of'the cams driving the paddles through a yoke such as the yokes 260 and 268, it drives the paddles through links which are similar to the link 238. "Thus,

there is provided in the box frame 22 l-222-223 a motor 28! provided with a relatively small pul- "ley- 282 which drives a relatively large pulley .283. The-pulley 283 is mounted on a shaft 284 which carries a pair of cams similar to the cams 264 and 265. The cam similar to 264 is shown in Fig. 18 as 2% and drives through a link 2136 which is in all respects similar to the link 238. The opposite end of the link 235 to the cam 285 is pivotally connected as at 28'? to a lever 288 which is pivotally mounted as at 289 on the box irame- 22 i-22 2- 223. The lever 238 carries at its upper end the pad 25%. The pad 255 is carried by a lever in all respects: similar to 28'8-which is-driven by a link in all respects similar to 286; which is in turn driven by a cam which is in all respects similar to 265 and is mounted on the shaft 284 in a manner similar to that in which the cam 265 is mounted and which is driven by a driver secured to the shaft its in a manner similar to that in which the driver 261 is secured. The driver secured to the shaft 232 cooperates with a collar in all respects similar to 268 to position the cam for'the .pad 255.

The box unit including the frame members 2 I 8, 2m and 228i, the 'motor 253, the pulley 261, the

shaft 293, the supporting lever 256, and the pads 252 and 253 may be eliminated if desired. In such case, howeventhe design is such that at any time a box unit such as either a unit 2I8-2l9 22-1] or a unit 221-222-423, having a motor 28!,

- a shaft 28 2; a lever 288 and pads 254 and 255 could be substituted. It is obvious that by reversing the position of either-of these box units, either of suchbox units'can be substituted for the other.

The body supporting top member 202 comprises the upper frame member 211 which is provided with upholstered pads such as 291, 292, 293, 294 and 295 for the comfort of the patient. Each of the-paddles'252, 253, 2'54and 255 comprises a supporting plate such as the supporting plates 296 and 29601 and a pair of upholstered pads'such as 29-1 and 293 and 29111 and 298a; The pads 29'! and 298 may besecured in any desired position laterally of theplate 296 and as shown may be moved laterally as desired from the positions shown in Fig. 17 so that they may be together as the pads2ill and-293 are shown or may be spaced apartas the pads 287a and 298a are shown. Thus the upholstered portions of the pad may be positioned at any desired place to provide for the comfort ofthe patient.

The bar 293 may readily be understood by'reference to Figs. 17 and 18. It may be pointed out, however, that the bar 263 is provided with a port1on3ili which the patient may grip during the stretching exercise, later to be described and is provided with an upholstered pad 302 on which the patient may at times rest his feet or the lower part of his .legs. The lowerportion of the bar 2ii3 which1s designated as 333 is releasably and shdabl y secured within the top frame member2l1 so that it may be adjusted to any desired position dependent upon the length of the patient. Thus, the patient may properly be positioned" on 'the table so that the exercisegiven 'by the paddles end the stretching operation may be most effecive.

Our: improved table is useful in a "variety of ways togive passive exercise, to correct the posture of .pat1ents,'and to normalize the weightof such patients. It performs the functions of three or more tables similar to those which have been prev ouslyconsidered as desirable. Forinstance (1) it is capable of oscillating longitudinallyto move thepatient rapidlyback and forth and thus induce a healthy circulation. It is capable also of .givinga stretching exercise (2) to the patient lying on the table with the shoulders touching the pads 25!- and 255. A similar stretching exercise (3) may be with the patient lying on the table with the thighs touching the pads 252 and 253. Similarly, a twisting and kneading of either the shoulders (4) or thighs (5) may be similarly accomplished with the pads 254 and 255 going in alternate directions or with the pads 253 and 252 going in alternate directions. Other exercises may be accomplished by various other combinations of the movement.

In the operation of the table to create the circulation inducing or oscillating movement of the patient, the motor 23| is operated with the patient lying upon the table with his or her head either adjacent to the stretcher bar 2i33 or alter nately upon the pad 298. This causes an oscillation of the cradle 295, the top 2 I I, and the pads 29!, 292, 293, 294 and 295, and the pads 252, 253,

25 i and 255 and the patient.

If it is desired to give a stretching exercise to the patient upward from the shoulders, or to massage the shoulder portion of the body, the patient may lie upon the table with the shoulders upon the pads 25 i, and 255, and gripping the bar Then the motor 28! is turned on in a counter-clockwise direction with the result that the paddles 254 and 255 are reciprocated together and a beneficial stretching exercise is given to the patient. If it is desired that this stretching exercise shall be given from the shoulders to the hips, the motor 28! is left inoperative and the motor 258 is operated in a counter-clockwise direction which causes the paddles 252 and 253 to operate simultaneously and in synchronism giving a beneficial stretching exercise to the patient from the hips upward. If it is desired to give a twisting exercise to the shoulders with the subject lying in the same position the motor 26i is turned on in a clockwise direction with the result that the paddles 254 and 255 operate alternately and a massaging and twisting exercise is given which is highly beneficial. Similarly, if it is desired that the twisting and massaging exercise be given to the hips or buttocks portion of the patient the 'motor 258 is turned on in a clockwise direction with a result that the paddles 252 and 253 operate alternately and give a beneficial massaging and twisting exercise.

As stated above, if desired we may omit from the table the motor 258 and/or other portions of the mechanism shown in the box structure 2l8--2 I 9-229. Substantially the same exercises can be given in such case. The pads 252 and 253 may be retained as supports or a pad similar to pad 293 may be added to fill the space between the pads 29l and 293. In such case, the shoulder stretch (2), the shoulder massage (4), and the circulation inducing exercises (1) would be the same as described above. The hips massage and/or stretch or passive exercises for the pelvic region designed to relax tension in the entire spinal area (3) is accomplished with the patient turned in the opposite direction so that his or her head is on the pad 29! and her feet or ankles rest. upon the pad 392. Also the exercise designed to free the muscles and the tendons of the sacroiliac region making it easy for the patient to assume a good posture and eventially overcome a pelvic dip and/ or the hip twisting exercise is also performed with the patient lying with the head upon the pad 29i and the buttocks upon the movable pads 254 and 255.

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments of our invention are given for the purpose of illustration only and various changes r 12 from the details of the embodiments illustrated may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined in the following claims.

We claim:

l. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a cradle supported on the main frame for movement back and forth substantially in a horizontal plane including a body support; a body contacting pad member pivotally mounted on said cradle for oscillating movement relative to said cradle; means for transmitting oscillating motion to move said pad member relative to said cradle; and means for transmitting movement to move said cradle and said body sup port relative to said main frame.

2. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a body supporting cradle positioned over and movable relative to the main frame; a body contacting pad member secured to and supported by said cradle and having a pivotal mounting providing for oscillating movement of the pad member relative to said cradle; and means for driving the pad member.

3. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a pair of oppositely disposed body contacting pad members each having a pivotal mounting providing for independent oscillating movement thereof; driving means; and a linkage for each said pad member for transmitting power from the driving means to drive said pad member comprising pivot, a link pivotally connected to said pivot and to the drivin member, a second link pivotally connected to said pivot and to the body contacting pad member, and means for shifting the position of the pivot to provide for changing the alignment of the second link relative to the body contacting pad member whereby oscillating movement of the driving member is transmitted from the first link to swing said second link in a path causing the body contacting pad member to oscillate in a preselected direction relative to the frame.

4. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; driving means; a cradle supported by the main frame; a pair of oppositely disposed body contacting pad members carried by said cradle, each of said members having a pivotal mounting providing for independent oscillating movement thereof; and means for transmitting power from said driving means to move each of said members independently including a driving member common to both said pad members which is connected to the prime mover, a linkage for each pad member comprising a pivot, a link pivotally connected to said pivot and to the driving member, a second link pivotally connected to said pivot and to said pad member for driving the latter, and means for shifting the position of the pivot to provide for changing the driving position of said second link relative to the pad member whereby movement imparted to the first link from the driving member causes the second link to drive the pad member in a preselected manner relative to the driving member.

5. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a driving member mounted thereon; a cradle supported by the main frame with connecting members providing for reciprocating motion of the cradle relative to said frame; a body contacting pad member pivotally mounted for oscillating movement; a linkage for transmitting oscillating motion from said driving member to said pad member including a pivot for the pad member which provides for controlling the direction in which the pad member oscillates relative to a predetermined directional movement of the driving member; and means for connecting said cradle to the driving member to provide for reciprocating said cradle.

6. A body posture correcting machinecomprising a main frame; a d-rivingmember mounted thereon; a cradle supported by'the main frame with connecting members providing forreciprocating motion of the cradle relative to saidframe; a body contacting pad member pivotally mounted for oscillating movement; a linkage for transmitting oscillating motion from said driving member to said pad member including a pivot for the pad member which provides for controlling the direction in which the pad member oscillates relative to a predetermined directional movement of the driving member; and means for connecting said cradle to the driving member to provide for moving the same, including a shiftable element carried on the cradle and movable into and out of engagement with said driving member.

'7. The structure of claim 1 in which there is provided a driving means, and a driving member oscillatably driven by the driving means and in which the means for transmitting oscillating motion to said pad member comprises a driven member by which said pad member is carried, a

pivot, a pair of parallel links pivotally connected to the pivot and to said driving member, a third link pivotally connected to said pivot and to said driven member for driving the latter, and means for shifting the position of the pivot relative to said parallel links to provide for changing the driving position of the third link relative to the driven member whereby in one shifted position of the pivot, movement of the driving member causes the third lever to effect concurrent movement of the driven member and in another shift- 1 ed position of the pivot, movement of the driving member causes the third link to effect opposite movement of the driven member.

8. In a body posture correcting machine having a main frame and a driven member mounted for oscillating movement and including a body contacting pad member; driving means having a driving member; a linkage for transmitting power from said driving member to oscillate said driven member comprising a pivot, a link pivotally connected to the pivot member and to said driving member, a second link pivotally connected to said pivot and to the said driven member for driving the latter, and means for shifting the position of the pivot to provide for changing the driving position of the second link relative to the driven member whereby movement of the driving member causes the second link to drive the pad member in a preselected manner relative to the driving member.

9. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; driving means mounted thereon; a body contacting pad member having a pivotal mounting providing for oscillating movement thereof relative to the frame; a driving member connected between the driving means and pad member; means for'transmitting power from said driving member to oscillate said pad member including alinkage comprising a pivot, a link pivotally connected to said pivot and to said driving member, and a second link pivotally connected to said pivot and to said pad member for driving the latter; and means for shifting the position of the pivot to provide for changing the driving position of said link relative to "14 "said pad member whereby movement imparted to the first link from the driving member causes the second link to drive the pad member in a preselected manner relative to the: drivingv member.

10. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a driving means mounted thereon; a cradle supported by the: main frame; a body contacting pad member havinga pivotal mounting. providing for oscillating movement thereof relative to the cradle and carried bysaid cradle; means for transmitting power from said driving means to oscillate said pad member ineluding a linkage. comprising a driving member oscillatably driven by said driving means;- apivo't, a link pivotally connectedto said pivot and to said driving member, and-asecond link pivotally connected to said pivot and to said pad memher for drivingtheulatteri and means for shifting the position of the pivot to provide for changing the driving position .of the second link relative to the pad member whereby movement imparted to the first link from the driving member causes the second link to drive the pad member in a preselected manner relative to the driving member.

11. A body posture correcting machine comprising a main frame; a body supporting cradle positioned over and movable relative to the main frame; a body contacting pad member mounted.

on said cradle and having a pivotal mounting providing for oscillating movement of the pad member relative to said cradle; and a linkage for transmitting oscillating motion to said pad member relative to said cradle comprising means for driving the pad member which provides for controlling the direction in which the pad member moves,

12. The structure of claim 11 in which the means for driving the pad member for controlling the direction in which the pad member moves relative to the driving member comprises a pivot, a pair of parallel links connected to said pivot, a rocker arm connected to said pair of parallel links and a third link connecting said pivot and the pad member.

13. The structure of claim 11 in which the means for driving the pad member for controlling the direction in which the pad member moves relative to the driving member comprises a rotatable shaft; a cam rotatably mounted on said shaft and formed with an offset lug, consisting of a sector having an arc of less than 180; and a driving collar secured to said shaft, and having on offset lug consisting of a sector having an arc of less than which contacts with the lug on the cam and in which there is provided a reversible motor for driving said rotatable shaft.

14. The structure of claim 2 in which the means for driving the pad member comprises a pivot, a pair of parallel links connected to said shiftable driving element, a rocker arm connected to said pair of parallel links and a third link connecting said pivot and the pad member.

15. The structure of claim 2 in which the means for driving the pad member comprises a rotatable shaft; a cam rotatably mounted on said shaft and formed with an offset lug, consisting of a sector having an arc of less than 180; and a driving collar secured to said shaft, and having an offset lug consisting of a sector having an arc of less than 180 which contacts with the lug on the cam and in which there is provided a reversible motor for driving said rotatable shaft.

15 16; The structure of claim 1 in which there is provided a driving means which is reversible so that it may be rotated in opposite directions, and in which the means for transmitting oscillating motion to said pad member comprises a driven member mounted for oscillating movement by which said pad member is carried, a rotatable shaft drivn by said driving means, a cam rotatably mounted on said shaft and formed with an offset lug consisting of a sector having an arc of at least 180, a driving collar secured to said shaft and having an offset lug consisting of a sector having an arc of less than 180 which contacts with the lug on the cam; and a connection between said cam and said driven member.

WILLIAM R. ALEXANDER. OWEN E. WILLIAMS. HAROLD H. DAWSON. HOWARD K. BENTZ.

- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name Date Iverson Oct. 5, 1926 Buck Jan. 9, 1934 Rogers Mar. 14, 1939 De Camp Nov. 11, 1941 Tammen Apr. 10, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain May 19, 1947 

